Phillies: Curt Schilling asked to be pitching coach via text
By Matthew C
Former Phillies pitcher Curt Schilling has reportedly asked to be the team’s next pitching coach, via a text message sent to new manager Gabe Kapler.
It’s only been a few days since news broke that Gabe Kapler will take over managerial duties for the Phillies, and already Kapler’s phone is ringing as he finds his coaching staff for next season.
According to a report by 97.5 The Fanatic, Curt Schilling texted new manager Gabe Kapler asking if he could be the team’s next pitching coach, assuming that Bob McClure will not return with the team in the 2018-2019 season.
After retiring and becoming an analyst, Schilling has become a controversial figure due to his political opinions. He was suspended several times for various comments before eventually being fired after sharing a post relating to North Carolina’s heavily-debated “bathroom bill”, limiting which bathrooms transgendered people can use.
More from Phillies Rumors
- Phillies rumors: Club targets Seth Lugo for possible bullpen role
- Could Phillies sign 2nd former Mets starting pitcher in same offseason?
- Phillies rumor: Dansby Swanson could be club’s alternative to Trea Turner
- Rob Thomson apology hints possible Phillies blockbuster signing
- Phillies rumors: Club likely to land top shortstop on free-agent market
Most recently, he accused Baltimore Orioles superstar Adams Jones for lying about his claims of racial slurs being yelled at him in a game at Fenway Park last season.
The Phils currently have the hitting, bench, and pitching coach positions open. So, it’s not impossible for Schilling to land a job somewhere on Kapler’s coaching staff.
Schilling does not have any previous coaching experience in the major leagues, and there are plenty of more experienced pitching coaches out on the market.
On the other hand, he was one of the best pitchers in baseball and could help develop Philadelphia’s young pitching staff. Kapler and Schilling played together for three seasons with the Boston Red Sox, including winning a World Series title together. Schilling also played in Philadelphia for eight seasons.
Next: Arizona Fall League paying off for J.D. Hammer
Ultimately, the decision to hire Schilling depends on if Kapler and the team want to deal with any potential blowback. That seems unlikely given there are plenty of other candidates out there that don’t bring any negative PR with them.